The Wizard of Oz – Review of 2024 Canadian Stage Production at the Winter Garden Theatre

Go to the Winter Garden Theatre to be entertained by Matt Murray’s version of The Wizard of Oz. Forget Judy Garland and “Over the Rainbow.” This is a Canadian version and specifically a Toronto affair with all the trimmings produced by Canadian Stage with a tip of the hat to Ross Pety.

This Wizard of Oz is a Canadian Stage production based on the classic story with delightful changes to make it Canadian. Dorothy (Julia Pulo) lives on a farm near Guelph and after graduating from high school is undecided about her future. She is living with the elderly Plumbum (Dan Chameroy) and some energetic farm workers who will become Tin Man (Jonathan Cullen), the Lion (Saphire Demitro) and Scarecrow (Eddie Glen).

They are all transported to the land of Oz or more precisely to the magical land of Torontoz or is it Torozto. The letters OZ appear in everything from Ozzington to McDoznald so you know where you are.  They find a Wicked Witch of course, played for laughs by Vanessa Sears who wants Dorothy’s ruby slippers and wreaks hilarious havoc. This Wicked Witch is Nastina who lost the elections and wants to take the city, okay she wants the CN Power but that is the CITY. Well Mayor Olivia Chow is in the audience. You noticed that there is no Wizard of Oz listed in the cast. Who is the Wizard of Oz of Torozto  and what is she? I don’t want to spoil a great laugh but I need to give credit to the appearance of the large image of Mayor Olivia Chow as the great Wizard.

The show is billed as a Family Musical and the packed Winter Garden Theatre had a healthy contingent of youngsters who displayed a healthy and infectious enthusiasm. They laughed and booed with zest and we cheered them on with laughter. Ross Petty who established the brand more than 25 years is retired but Canadian Stage has wisely taken over and they give him credit.

The bewigged and pink-dress attired Chameroy as Dorothy’s guardian Plumbum stole much of the laughter. An exuberant performance with a panoply of jokes and puns. There is some vigorous and entertaining dance routines by choreographer Jennifer Mote. The songs are a collage of modern compositions all done well.

Julia Pulo is the centerpiece of the show as Dorothy. She is a petite, feisty and gorgeous-voiced performer who gave a beautiful performance. A delight to watch. No doubt you are wondering about Toto. Yes, he does appear as her (stuffed) animal.
The ensemble acting is outstandingly entertaining  and the rich offering of jokes and references to Toronto are a welcome treat. Make no mistake, this is family fun in and about Toronto.

The show is expertly directed by Ted Dykstra, who is one of the best directors around with the lively choreography  of Jennifer Mote .

The burning question that has caused many sleepless nights is Who was Dorothy’s father? Matt Murray, who has written this hilarious version of The Wizard of Oz discloses the answer. I know but I will not tell you what it is.
The Wizard of Oz by Matt Murray, produced by Canadian Stage opened on December 12, 2024,  continues until January 5, 2025,  at The Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge St. Toronto.

From left, the Tin Man (Jonathan Cullen), Lion (Saphire Demitro), Dorothy (Julia Pulo), Plumbum (Dan Chameroy) and Scarecrow (Eddie Glen). Photo: Dahlia Katz

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